Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
LAST year, the Kingdom of Eswatini welcomed Bulawayo comedian, Mbongeni Ignatius Ndlovu, for its inaugural Eswatini International Comedy Festival, and the trend is set to continue as fellow comic, Frank Chirisa, is set to perform at the premier comedy event.
Set for 26 September at the picturesque Sibane Sami Hotel in Ezulwini, ECOFEST 25 will bring laughter and joy from acts from across Africa.
Founded by Swati comic, Bonginkosi “Dr Shakes” Dlamini, ECOFEST aims to showcase comic talent from across Southern Africa to promote local talent as well as give a platform to stand-up comedians from Eswatini.
Chirisa told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that ECOFEST was not in his wildest dreams when he took up the microphone.
“Honestly, when I started, I didn’t have a plan. I was just doing comedy. The plan was to get good, get seen, then get paid. I started envisioning it earlier this year that I would be an international superstar. I started treating myself like one, and this is the universe catching up to my affirmations,” he said.
Having toured Botswana for the “O Mokae? Comedy Festival” where he met his icon, South African comedian, Tsitsi Chiumya, Chirisa promised bucket loads of jokes for ECOMFEST.
“In Shona, we say, ‘mabviravira’, which means fire. I am going to kill. I am taking my best jokes. If I do well, it elevates Zimbabwean comedy to the next level and also opens doors for other comedians. Mbongeni went last year. I am going to represent Zimbabwe well so that Brandon Masuku can also go next year,” he said.
Before he departs for the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Burg Comedy boss will perform at the Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo alongside Mbongeni Ignatius for the” Boys 2 Men” comedy event at the Bulawayo Public Library.
From personal hurdles that haunted his formative years in comedy, Chirisa believes his craft has improved.
“My comedy has gotten better from travelling, seeing, and experiencing other cultures. I know from ESwatini I’m going to come back a better comedian. They are still unveiling more comedians, so I have only seen one from Botswana, and he’s a very funny guy. I just want to be around the best and be outstanding,” he shared. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
Sidumisile Mabena